27 July - António José de Almeida birth anniversary

 

António José de Almeida was a prominent Portuguese politician and statesman who served as the sixth President of Portugal. He was born on July 27, 1866, in Penacova, Portugal, and passed away on October 31, 1929, in Lisbon, Portugal.

Almeida was a medical doctor by profession and initially practiced medicine before entering politics. He became involved in the Republican movement in Portugal and was known for his strong advocacy for democratic principles and republican ideals.

In the aftermath of the Portuguese Republican Revolution of 1910, which led to the establishment of the Portuguese First Republic and the end of the monarchy, António José de Almeida emerged as a prominent political figure. He was one of the founding members of the Portuguese Republican Party and played a significant role in shaping the early years of the First Republic.

Throughout his political career, Almeida held various important positions, including Minister of the Interior and Minister of Finance. His leadership and contributions were highly regarded, and he was known for his efforts to promote social and economic reforms in Portugal.

In 1919, António José de Almeida was elected as the President of Portugal, becoming the first civilian to hold this office. During his presidency, he sought to stabilize the political situation and implement policies to improve the country's economic conditions.

After his term as President, Almeida continued to be active in politics and remained a respected figure in Portuguese society until his passing in 1929.

António José de Almeida's contributions to Portuguese politics and his dedication to democratic values have left a lasting impact on the country's history and political development. He is remembered as a significant figure in the early years of the Portuguese Republic.

 

27 July - Geoffrey de Havilland birth anniversary

 

Geoffrey de Havilland (1882-1965) was a pioneering British aviation engineer and aircraft designer. He is best known for founding the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which played a significant role in the development of aviation during the early and mid-20th century

Geoffrey de Havilland was born on July 27, 1882, in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England. He developed an early interest in engineering and mechanics, and he attended the Crystal Palace School of Engineering in London.After completing his education, de Havilland worked for several aviation-related companies, gaining experience in designing and building aircraft. In 1909, he joined the Aircraft Manufacturing Company (Airco) and designed his first aircraft, the Airco DH.1.

In 1920, Geoffrey de Havilland established his own company, the de Havilland Aircraft Company, in Stag Lane, London. The company quickly became a major player in the aviation industry, producing a series of successful and innovative aircraft.One of de Havilland's most significant contributions to aviation was the development of wooden aircraft construction techniques. His aircraft designs, like the de Havilland DH.60 Moth, DH.82 Tiger Moth, and DH.88 Comet, were instrumental in advancing aviation technology and played crucial roles in the growth of civil and military aviation.

The de Havilland DH.82 Tiger Moth, introduced in the 1930s, became an iconic training aircraft for pilots in the British Commonwealth. The DH.88 Comet, a long-range racing aircraft, won the prestigious MacRobertson Air Race from London to Melbourne in 1934.

During World War II, the de Havilland Aircraft Company contributed significantly to the war effort by producing military aircraft, including the versatile de Havilland Mosquito. The Mosquito, made primarily of wood, was an exceptional multi-role aircraft used for reconnaissance, bombing, and night-fighter operations.After the war, de Havilland continued to innovate, and the company produced various successful designs, such as the de Havilland Dove and the de Havilland Comet, the world's first commercial jet airliner.

Geoffrey de Havilland received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to aviation, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society.Geoffrey de Havilland's legacy continues through the influence of the de Havilland Aircraft Company, which later became part of various mergers and acquisitions but left an indelible mark on the history of aviation.

27 July - Bagpipe Appreciation Day

 

Bagpipe Appreciation Day is an annual holiday celebrated on July 27. This day celebrates an ancient musical instrument known as the bagpipe. These musical instruments date back thousands of years and have become a part of the Scottish tradition. They have been used during battles, funerals, parades, weddings, and royal occasions.

Although bagpipes are central to Scottish identity, like kilts, haggis, and whiskey, bagpipes did not originate from Scotland. Bagpipes have an ancient history that traces back to Mesopotamia, a region in the Middle East, where shepherds were said to play them for leisure. There are speculations the pipes were in ancient Egypt, but no supporting evidence can prove this fact.

A Hittite wall carving from around 1000 B.C. displays a bagpipe and suggests that bagpipes were used in western Asia too. The Hittites traded with Egypt so the instrument could have been passed on to them from the Egyptians. That leaves the Egyptians and the Hittites as the two possible inventors of the bagpipe.

The instruments were later introduced to the Greeks who adopted them from the Romans when they conquered Greece. The Roman Emperor Nero was fond of playing the bagpipe. The English admired the instrument greatly and so they, too, adopted them. The bagpipes became popular in Britain after the Roman invasion in the 5th century. The instruments became more popular in England than in any other part of the world.

Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Lancashire produced noteworthy pipers, and areas such as Cornwall, Northumberland, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire made their own types of bagpipes. The first reference to the Scottish Highland bagpipes is from French history that mentions their use at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. By the 18th century, they had become an icon of Scottish national identity. The military began using the instrument and accompanied it with drums. Bagpipes were for communication during battles to signal movements, attacks, and retreats. They were also played before a battle to inspire the army.

When the Scottish uprising of 1745 failed, military training was banned, and bagpipes were no longer used for war. However, they were kept for other uses. There are many types of bagpipes today. The most popular bagpipe is Scotland’s Great Highland bagpipe. On Bagpipe Appreciation Day, we celebrate all variations of bagpipes and their contribution to culture and music.

27 July - Sleepy Head Day

 

National Sleepy Head Day, also known as "National Nuku Päivä" in Finnish, is a unique and playful tradition celebrated in Finland. It takes place on July 27th each year.

On this day, the last person in the household to wake up is playfully teased and crowned as the "Sleepy Head" of the family or community. In some regions, they may be given a symbolic crown made of twigs and flowers or a special hat to wear throughout the day.

The tradition has its roots in an old Finnish myth that says that if you sleep late on the morning of Sleepy Head Day, you may end up being lazy for the rest of the year. It's all in good fun, and the day is celebrated with humor and lightheartedness.

In more recent times, Sleepy Head Day has also been celebrated with events and activities in some towns and cities across Finland. It has become a fun way for communities to come together and celebrate their unique cultural heritage.

It's worth noting that traditions and customs may evolve over time, so the way Sleepy Head Day is celebrated might vary from region to region or from one family to another. Nonetheless, it remains a charming and delightful aspect of Finnish culture.

27 July - The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Raising Day

 

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Raising Day is celebrated on July 27th every year. The CRPF is one of the largest paramilitary forces in India and plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and assisting in various law enforcement duties across the country.

The CRPF was established on July 27, 1939, under the name "Crown Representative's Police" during British colonial rule in India. After India gained independence in 1947, the force was renamed as the Central Reserve Police Force. Over the years, the CRPF has been involved in numerous operations and has faced various challenges, including maintaining peace in conflict zones, disaster management, and providing security during elections.

On its Raising Day, the CRPF commemorates its founding and pays tribute to its personnel who have displayed exceptional courage and dedication in the line of duty. The day is marked with various events and celebrations held at CRPF establishments across the country, and it provides an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by its personnel to safeguard the nation's security.

27 July - Anand Rishiji Maharaj jain religious leader birth anniversary

 

Anand Rishiji Maharaj (27 July 1900 – 28 March 1992) was a Jain religious leader. The Government of India issued a commemorative postage stamp in his honour on 9 August 2002. He was awarded with the honorary title of Rashtra Sant by Maharashtra's chief minister.He was the Second Aacharya of Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Shraman Sangha

26 July - Alice in Wonderland premiered in London in 1951

 

Alice in Wonderland is a 1951 American animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Walt Disney Productions and based on the Alice books by Lewis Carroll.Alice in Wonderland was the thirteenth release of Disney's animated features.

When it premiered in London on July 26, 1951, and in New York City on July 28, 1951, Alice in Wonderland was considered a disappointment on its initial release, therefore was shown on television as one of the first episodes of Disneyland. Its 1974 re-release in theaters proved to be much more successful, leading to subsequent re-releases, merchandising and home video releases. Although the film received generally negative critical reviews on its initial release, it has been more positively reviewed over the years.

26 July - Independence Day Liberia

 

Independence Day in Liberia is celebrated on July 26th each year. It commemorates the country's declaration of independence from the American Colonization Society on July 26, 1847, making Liberia the first independent republic in Africa.

Liberia was founded by freed and repatriated African-Americans and free-born African-Americans who sought to establish a colony in Africa where formerly enslaved people from the United States could live freely and govern themselves. The country was named after the Latin word "liber," which means "free."

On Independence Day, Liberians celebrate their nation's history, culture, and achievements. The day is marked with various events, including parades, flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. It is a time for national pride, reflection, and unity as Liberians come together to honor their past and look toward the future.

 

26 July - Independence Day Maldives

 

In the past, the Maldives, like many other countries throughout the world, was ruled by the British Empire. They, however, did not become a British Protectorate until 1887 after many attempts. The Maldives only benefited from the new status by preventing the British from interfering with their internal affairs. If the country were to engage in any international activity, the British government would have to be consulted first. To get the Maldives to cooperate, the British offered to defend the country in exchange.

On July 26, 1965, the Maldives was granted total autonomy. The independence was crucial because it gave the country the ability to take control of its economy and develop as it saw fit. The conclusion of World War II brought about the independence of two neighboring countries, Sri Lanka and India, both of which were colonized by the British, motivating the Maldives to pursue their own independence.

It became even more pressing when three southern atolls were claimed as part of a brief Suvadive Republic from 1959 to 1963. The Maldives was admitted as a member of the United Nations within two months of achieving independence. On October 12, 1965, their national flag was hoisted at the headquarters.

 The Independence Day celebrations in Maldives typically include various events, parades, flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. It is a day of national pride and patriotism for the Maldivian people, as they commemorate the day their nation became an independent and sovereign country.

25 July - A. P. J. Abdul Kalam sworn in as the 11th President of India in 2002.

 

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was sworn in as the 11th President of India on July 25, 2002.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam was a renowned scientist and a highly respected figure in India. He played a significant role in India's space and missile development programs, earning him the title of the "Missile Man of India." In recognition of his contributions to science and technology, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1997.

Dr. Kalam's presidency from 2002 to 2007 was marked by his dedication to youth empowerment, education, and national development. He was widely admired for his simplicity, vision, and commitment to the betterment of the nation.

He remains a beloved figure in India and is remembered as one of the most inspirational and influential leaders in the country's history.